Soundtrack to My Life: 7 Songs that Have Influenced Me and Why

Play them all at the same time – I dare you!

Lana Del Rey -Young and Beautiful

The Great Gatsby is one of my favourite films of all time and I especially love the aesthetics of the movie, mixed with the modern music soundtrack which would have been extremely incongruent for the time period in which it was set. It was where I first really appreciated the exquisite voice of Lana Del Rey. Like something out of another dimension, her tone and deep lyrics strike a chord with me. Youth, death and beauty are topics which resonate deeply with me and are particularly poignant in these superficial, materialstic times. For me, this song makes me feel epic and as encourages the inner feeling of a pensive yet precious princess in me, every single time I listen to it.

“Will you still love me when I’ve got nothing but my aching soul?”

***

I Blame Coco – Quicker

Elliot Sumner, son of legend Sting, was in a band called I Blame Coco. I love her unique, androgynous style, yet she contrastingly displays a unique form of striking beauty. This song ‘Quicker’ toys with the idea of time, a topic which I was particularly struggling with and battling with when I first became infatuated with the song. The limitations and boundaries of time are some things with which my thoughts are often preoccupied.

“If we could only be faster, then we could outsmart time.”

***

City & Color: The Grand Optimist

I was first introduced to City and Colour by a boyfriend, when I was around nineteen. The mellow, deep vibes and struggling lyrics evoke thoughts captured in the vast net of my imagination, especially in this song. I enjoy the contrast between optimism and pessimism which are displayed as the lyrics dance delicately on the tongue of singer, Dallas Green.

Having seen them perform live twice in London, I feel even more connected to the memories evoked from this song. It’s also different from a lot of other music I’ve ever heard. The focus is heavily on the lyrics and the message of the song, rather than musical extravagances upon which some egotistical musicians can seek to place an emphasis.

“You give him burdens sometimes and he will escape unscarred.”

***

Fuel: Sunburn

I remember when I first found the band fuel, on Limewire when I was back in high school, around 15. Just getting into rock music, this song was interesting to me as it was so different to the pop I had previously known and loved. Yet, not too heavy so it eased me in gently.

It was tough to pick just one song by Fuel; if I had a second choice, it would be ‘Shimmer.’

“Life’s not living baby, living ain’t free.”

***

Hobbie Stuart: What Time Do You Call This?

Hobbie Stuart is what I listen to when I need to feel emotional. He covers popular songs, in such a way that they encourage an emotional response in addition to some of his own songs. His voice is like honey, with its mellifluous tones. Strangely, I was listening to this exact song when the building I was in alone was broken into, last year.

“Every little thing that I held on to, every little thing that I love about you.”

***

Matisyahu & POD : Strength of My Life

A song of strength and motivation, bringing two fantastic artists together in this anthem. Matisyahu is a is a Jewish American reggae vocalist and P.O.D. (Payable On Death) are an American Christian metal band formed in 1992. What’s not to like? I listen to this song when I want to listen to some alternative Christian music or to gain motivation and positive vibes.

“Strength of my life, whom shall I dread? “

***

Devotion (Piano Cover) by Isaac Kang

The most beautiful and heartwarming, gentle song I’ve ever heard in my life. This song makes an instant beeline for the inner depths of my heart. It fills me with hope, tears, joy and has blessed me in so many ways. Isaac Kang has an extraordinary gift of worshipping from the heart, evident in this rare and unique video which I was absolutely delighted to discover.

“When you stand, tall trees and mountains bow. When you speak, the fiercest of oceans is still.”